Finding the Best Way

“Technology cannot be silenced. We must find the best way to use it for the better and simplified life.” This is what motivated Merabu Birakashekwa, the ELCT/KAD* Information and Communication officer, to join this workshop.

 

Last June, she was part of a group of 13 IT and online communication professionals who gathered at the Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (DarTU). They represent the member churches of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) in Africa, coming from the DR Congo, Cameroon, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania, where they serve their churches in fields of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

 

Together they aimed at building more ICT capacities in their churches. The event, hosted by the UEM Regional Office Africa, was facilitated by Geofrey Kilimba, who is a Cybersecurity Consultant, Researcher and Trainer at DarTU, together with Dennis Kahl, UEM Head of Department IT & Services. Kilimba appeares impressed by the eagerness and commitment from the participants: “This collective effort toward digital unity will not only enhance operational efficiency but also strengthen our shared mission of evangelism and cooperation across regions”, he says.

 

Encouraging Digital Transformation

 

The workshop encouraged participants to reflect possible digital transformation within their churches. Kilimba noticed a strong wish among the member churches to transition from paper based systems to digital methods, to reduce costs and optimize workflows. Special attention was given to courses and education opportunities for the wider staff to use systems specifically tailored for church needs.

 

As more and more worship services, board meetings and community activities are taking place in online spaces, training in digital safety and data protection was seen as essential. Dennis Kahl says: “Digital Transformation isn’t an end in itself – it serves the people, protecting their data and strengthening our work on the long run.” As part of an emerging online presence of churches, monetization in social networks comes into focus: here, ethical considerations play an important role for churches who are engaging in this form of income generation. With workshops like this one, UEM provides its member churches with a platform to exchange on their current proceedings and on existing and possible new best practices. Kilimba states: "Social media can be a powerful tool for ministry when used wisely and prayerfully. But churches should set clear guidelines and spiritual goalsto ensure it serves their mission rather than undermining it."

 

Lasting Fruit

 

After the workshop, Kilimba draws a positive conclusion: “I am confident that the seeds planted during this program will bear lasting fruit for the churches in the UEM Africa Region.”

 

 

 

*ELCT/KAD = Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Karagwe Diocese

 

*ELCT/ECD = Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Eastern and Coastal Diocese